Friday's Tip Sheet
By Josh Jacobs
Ending the work week with an 11-game card in the NBA, we return to the scene of crime with the motive of making money. Adding some excitement to the tube, ESPN will be providing full coverage of an 8:00 p.m. EST showdown between Boston and Minnesota. The second swing of this televised double-header will switch to the Rocky Mountains, where the Nuggets will welcome the Wizards into their building.
*L.A. Clippers at Toronto**
Getting the night started, the Clippers will walk into Air Canada Centre with a 2-6 ATS record in their last eight overall games. Cashing in a weak 20 games on the spread in a total of 46 is surely not what backers want to invest in. And then there’s Toronto, struggling to string together more then two wins in a row. Although covering games with a 9-4 ATS performance in their last 13, the Raptors have gone 12-10 SU in their last 22. In their only meeting this season, Toronto walked away with an 80-77 victory on the road. The Clips where able to cover the 4½-point spread.
**New Jersey at Charlotte**
Trying to improve on a 14-14 SU home record, Charlotte will look to down a New Jersey squad struggling to award bettors some sort of profit. In their last 10 road games, the Nets have gone 2-8 ATS. Even worse is a 3-11 ATS slump in Jersey’s last 14 games overall. And it’s not that the Bobcats are tearing apart opponents. Charlotte has dropped four games in a row, is 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 and is struggling to hold opponents under 100 PPG (the ‘Cats are giving up 103.1 PPG in the last 10).
**L.A. Lakers at Orlando**
The second team from the Los Angeles area will visit central Florida in the hopes of working for its fourth win in five games. The Lakers are currently on a nine-game road trip where they have gone 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. In this same stretch, L.A. has hit the ‘under’ four times in five games. The Magic are playing solid ball of late, ripping down an 8-2 SU and 6-3-1 ATS record in their last 10. In its last outing against the Lake Show, Orlando took a convincing win by the score of 104-97 on the road, covering the spread and nailing the ‘under’, which was listed at 210½.
**Cleveland at Atlanta**
Taking 13 wins in their last sixteen, the Cavaliers have been doing a bang up job, suffocating opposing teams for an average of 95.3 PPG allowed. Covering the spread seven times in its last 10, Cleveland will be looking at an Atlanta team currently riding a three-game victory streak (going 2-0-1 ATS in those three). It’s hard to explain but going 3-2 SU and 2-2-1 ATS in its last five, the Hawks are surrendering more points then they're scoring (putting the ball in the bucket for 95.6 PPG versus allowing 99.6 PPG in those last).
**San Antonio at New York**
Hooping it up for a concrete 20-5 SU record at home this season, the Spurs have struggled when designated as the visiting team. Entering Madison Square Garden to face a dilapidated Knicks crew, San Antonio will look to execute tough defense, holding teams to 92.5 PPG when playing away from home. Dropping seven games in a row (its second longest losing streak this season), New York has been outscored 712-669 (101.7 PPG vs. 95.6 PPG). About the only decent angle being brought to gambler’s attention is the 9-5 ATS record in the last 14 (and that's not much to hang your hat on).
**Boston at Minnesota**
In their last 14 head-to-head meetings, Boston has managed to secure the spread 10 times. On Friday night, the Timberwolves will look to break the ice on an undistinguished 5-5 SU performance in its last 10. A 7-3 ATS run in the same 10 games has been mighty good to Minnesota backers, especially given the 1-8 ATS slide from the end of December up until mid January. Producing a 4-3 SU and ATS report in the last seven, Boston just doesn’t look like the same squad that amassed a 29-3 SU run in its first 32. Coming off one day worth of rest, the Celtics are 15-8 ATS.
**Portland at Detroit**
Piston backers have to be happy at the fact that this group enters Friday’s contest with a 23-11-1 ATS record in its last 35. On a six-game winning streak, playing defense for 87.7 PPG allowed and shooting 42.4-precent from behind the three line in their last five, the Pistons are on fire. Facing the youthful Trail Blazers, the road team in the last eight head-to-head meetings has gone 6-2 ATS. Swinging between wins and losses, Portland has failed to cover seven straight games while hitting the ‘under’ five times in the last 10. But buyers beware, with Detroit locking down on defense at home by allowing a rock bottom 86.4 PPG this season.
**Memphis at Dallas**
Dominating the Grizzlies with a significant 10-0 SU and 7-3 ATS record in head-to-head matches, a defeat against the Mavericks will be on tough mission to accomplish. Playing at home this year, Dallas is 21-3 SU and 10-11-3 ATS. One interesting point coming from the the Mavs' bench stems from Jerry Stckhouse’s right hamstring injury. Since he suffered the strain, Dallas has gone on to accumulate a 2-4-1 ATS billing, followed by a 3-4 ‘over/under’ record. Memphis is 6-15-2 ATS in its last 23 Friday games and has seen the total go ‘under’ seven times in the last nine.
**Seattle at Phoenix**
With an 8-2 ATS stretch in its last 10 meetings in Phoenix, the Sonics have also been able to manhandle the ‘under’ six straight times (dating back to Apr. 2006). After dropping 14 straight, Seattle has finally broken that mold with a 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS sprint in the last five. With a 7-3 docket in their last 10, the Suns are now hoping that a newly acquired Shaquille O’Neal can help keep this club in the No. 1 spot in the Pacific Division. Phoenix will begin this evening contest with a sub-par 14-13 SU conference record.
**Utah at Sacramento**
Another team playing great ball at home with a 21-3 SU performance, the Jazz will hope to improve on a not so hot 11-15 road record. Posting 10 wins in a row, crafting a 14-1 SU resume in their last 15 and covering the spread 12 times in 15 games, the Jazz are also looking to go ‘under’ the total for the eighth time in 11 contests. Shooting for 103.2 PPG at home and posting a 45.8 field goal percentage in their last five, the Kings are just waiting to fuel their own fire. Seven SU wins in the last 10 have been a boost of confidence for Sacramento, a team missing Brad Miller (finger), Beno Udrih (flu) and Kenny Thomas (flu). Status is still 'questionable' on these three players.
**Washington at Denver**
In the final contest of the evening, a 20-6 SU and 15-11 ATS Denver team at home will tip-off against Washington. The Wizards, who have lost five straight (0-5 ATS) and are shooting for just 86.8 PPG in those five, will try to break their poor trends without Caron Butler (day-to-day). As for the Nuggets, a 7-2 ATS mark in their last nine home games and going 6-2 ATS in their last eight overall has bettors running to the windows. In their last 10 head-to-head meetings, Washington has gone 2-8 ATS.
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L.A. Lakers (31-17, 28-18-1 ATS) at Orlando (32-19, 32-18-1 ATS)
The Lakers continue their nine-game road trip in Orlando following Wednesday’s tough loss in Atlanta.
Los Angeles fell to the Hawks 98-95 as a 3½-point favorite, dropping to 3-2 SU (4-1 ATS) on its season-long Eastern Conference road swing. Even with the loss, Los Angeles is 14-10 SU on the highway (14-9-1 ATS). The Lakers haven’t gotten much lately from superstar Kobe Bryant, who is dealing with an injured finger and has managed just 17 total points in the last two games – his lowest two-game total since 1998.
Orlando is 8-2 SU (6-3-1 ATS) in its last 10 overall and comes into this one off Wednesday’s 100-84 home win over New Jersey, covering as a 10½-point chalk. The Magic are 13-9 SU at home and 12-9-1 ATS, but have gone 6-1 SU and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven at Amway Arena.
Earlier this season, the Magic went to Los Angeles and got a 104-97 win as one-point ‘dogs, the first time they’d beaten the Lakers since 2004. The Lakers have gone 8-2 against Orlando since 2002, but the Magic have cashed in the last two after LA went 4-0 ATS in the previous four. Phil Jackson’s squad has won three of the last four times it has visited the Magic Kingdom (2-2 ATS).
Los Angeles is an impressive 8-1 ATS as an underdog of less than seven points. The Lakers are on further ATS runs of 5-0-1 in Friday matchups, 4-0 with one day of rest, 7-1-1 following a SU loss and 5-1 against Eastern Conference squads. Meanwhile, Orlando is 4-1 ATS in its last five against Pacific Division foes, but just 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 following a SU win and 0-4 ATS in its last four Friday tip-offs.
The over is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings (3-0 in Orlando), 7-2 in the Lakers last nine following a SU loss, 5-0 in their last five Friday games and 36-17-1 in the Magic’s last 54 games against teams with a winning percentage better than .600.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. LAKERS and OVER
Portland (28-20, 26-22 ATS) at Detroit (35-13, 28-19-1 ATS)
The Pistons shoot for their seventh straight victory when they host the Trail Blazers inside the Palace at Auburn Hills.
Detroit has won four straight at home (2-2 ATS) during this six-game streak (3-3 ATS), including Wednesday’s 100-95 victory over Miami, but it fell well short of covering as a 16-point chalk. The Pistons are 18-4 SU at home this season (14-8 ATS) and 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 games overall.
The Blazers haven’t cashed a ticket since Jan. 21, going 3-4 SU in their last seven (0-7 ATS). Portland beat the Bulls 100-97 Wednesday but failed as a 5½-point home favorite. Their last five games have all been decided by six points or less, and two of the five have gone to OT.
The road team has dominated this series, going 6-2 SU and ATS in the last eight, including Portland’s 102-94 home win as a five-point home ‘dog back on Nov. 13. The Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven against the Pistons (3-1 ATS in Detroit).
The Blazers are on ATS slides of 0-6 following a SU win, 0-5 on one day of rest, 0-4 against the Eastern Conference and 4-10 on the road against teams with a home winning percentage better than .600.
Conversely, Detroit is on ATS runs of 13-3 after a day of rest, 7-3-1 against the Western Conference and 5-2 at home against teams with a losing road record.
For Portland, the under is on streaks of 9-1 on Fridays, 11-5 following a non-cover and 10-2 after scoring 100 points in the previous game. Meanwhile, Detroit is on under runs of 8-0-1 against Western Conference squads, 9-2 following an ATS loss and 9-4-1 at home.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DETROIT and UNDER
Washington (24-24, 27-21 ATS) at Denver (29-19, 25-23 ATS)
The stumbling Wizards will try to avoid a sixth straight loss when they head to the Mile High City for a matchup with the Nuggets.
Washington’s latest defeat came Wednesday in the nation’s capital, falling to San Antonio 85-77, just missing as a seven-point pup. Things haven’t gone well lately for the Wizards, who are losers of five in a row overall (0-5 ATS), three straight at home (0-3 ATS) and five straight on the highway (0-5 ATS).
The straight-up winner has cashed in 45 of Washington’s 48 games this season, including the last 20 in a row.
The Nuggets come in off a 118-115 overtime loss over the Jazz as two-point home favorites. It was the second straight overtime game for George Karl’s squad, which also fell 105-103 in Portland on Monday, but got the cash as two-point ‘dogs.
Denver scored a 118-92 win in Washington back on Nov. 9, easily getting the cash as 2½-point favorites. The Nuggets are 8-2 SU and ATS in the last 10 meetings, including consecutive wins and covers in the last two. They’re also 5-1 SU and ATS in their last six against Washington at the Pepsi Center. Finally, the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the last 10 clashes.
Despite Wednesday’s loss to Utah, Denver is one of the league’s best home teams at 20-6 SU, going 7-2 ATS in the last nine.
Washington is 9-13 on the highway this season (12-10 ATS).
The under is 9-0 in the Wizards’ last nine against the Western Conference, but the over is 5-0 in Washington’s last five on the road, 3-0 in the Nuggets’ last three overall and 7-2 in the last nine series clashes between these squads (4-0 in Denver).
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and OVER
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Toronto Raptors
- The fans at Air Canada Centre will be treated to a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Toronto Raptors when they take their seats on Friday.
Corey Maggette went for 33 points, eight rebounds, and five steals for the Clippers in their 111-100 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
The Celtics covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 183.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Chris Bosh scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Raptors in a convincing 114-82 win over the lowly Heat on Monday. The Raptors easily covered the 9-point spread, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 194.5.
Andrea Bargnani shot 9-for-14 from the field with 22 points and five rebounds for the Raptors.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 15-31 SU, 20-26 ATS
Toronto: 26-21 SU, 27-20 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 2-8
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Minnesota are 4-6
After playing Miami are 4-6
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 13 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
LA Clippers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Next up:
LA Clippers at Philadelphia, Saturday, February 9
Toronto at Minnesota, Sunday, February 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Amway Arena.
Lamar Odom led the Lakers with 19 points and 11 boards in its 98-95 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
The Hawks upset the Lakers as 3-point home underdogs as the game played under the 203.5-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Dwight Howard scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the Magic past the New Jersey Nets 100-84 on Wednesday night.
The Magic covered as 10.5-point home favorites as the game played under the 203-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 31-17 SU, 28-19-1 ATS
Orlando: 32-19 SU, 32-18-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Miami are 9-1
After playing Atlanta are 8-2
After a loss are 7-3
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
LA Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Orlando
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Orlando is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
LA Lakers at Miami, Sunday, February 10
Orlando home to Cleveland, Monday, February 11
New Jersey Nets vs. Charlotte Bobcats
- The New Jersey Nets and the Charlotte Bobcats will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
Vince Carter led the Nets with 18 points in their 100-84 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
The Magic covered as 10.5-point home favorites as the game played under the 203-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Charlotte fell 118-104 by Phoenix last time out, as 14.5-point road underdogs. The combined 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 217.
Jason Richardson had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.
Current streak:
New Jersey has lost 3 straight games.
Charlotte has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 20-29 SU, 18-30-1 ATS
Charlotte: 18-31 SU, 19-28-2 ATS
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Orlando are 6-4
After a loss are 1-9
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Phoenix are 1-6
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing Charlotte
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Charlotte is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing New Jersey
Next up:
New Jersey home to Dallas, Sunday, February 10
Charlotte at Detroit, Sunday, February 10
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Philips Arena.
The Cavaliers were defeated 92-77 by the Rockets last time out, as 5.5-point road underdogs. The combined score fell UNDER the posted total of 184.
LeBron James scored a game-high 32 points with seven rebounds and six assists in the loss.
Joe Johnson dropped 28 points to lift the Hawks over the Los Angeles Lakers 98-95 on Wednesday night.
The Hawks upset the Lakers as 3-point home underdogs as the game played under the 203.5-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Atlanta has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 27-21 SU, 22-26 ATS
Atlanta: 22-24 SU, 24-22 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Denver are 3-7
After playing Houston are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Houston are 1-9
After playing LA Lakers are 1-9
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Cleveland is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
Cleveland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland home to Denver, Sunday, February 10
Atlanta at Houston, Saturday, February 9
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
- The fans at Madison Square Garden will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks when they take their seats on Friday.
Tim Duncan went for 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Spurs over the Washington Wizards 85-77 on Wednesday night.
The Spurs covered as 3-point road favorites as the game played under the 183-point total set by oddsmakers.
Zach Randolph led the Knicks with 26 points and nine rebounds in their 103-100 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
The Pacers upset the Knicks as 2.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 206.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
San Antonio has won 3 straight games.
New York has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
San Antonio: 31-16 SU, 23-24 ATS
New York: 14-35 SU, 23-26 ATS
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a win are 6-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 1-9
After playing Indiana are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Antonio's last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
New York is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Next up:
San Antonio at Boston, Sunday, February 10
New York at Milwaukee, Saturday, February 9
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Detroit Pistons
- The Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
Brandon Roy had 28 points and six assists to lead the Trail Blazers to a 100-97 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
The Blazers failed to cover as 6.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 184.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Rasheed Wallace dropped 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Pistons got past the Miami Heat 100-95 on Wednesday night.
The Pistons couldn't cover as 15.5-point home favorites as the game played over the 184.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Detroit has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Portland: 28-20 SU, 26-22 ATS
Detroit: 35-13 SU, 28-19-1 ATS
Portland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Indiana are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 3-7
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Charlotte are 7-3
After playing Miami are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Portland is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Detroit is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Portland
Next up:
Portland at Indiana, Saturday, February 9
Detroit home to Charlotte, Sunday, February 10
Boston Celtics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- The Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Target Center.
Rajon Rondo netted 24 points, dished out eight assists, and had four steals to lead the Celtics past the Los Angeles Clippers 111-100 on Wednesday night.
The Celtics covered as 8.5-point home favorites as the teams played over the 183.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Timberwolves fell to the Rockets 92-86 as 5.5-point underdogs last time out. The 178 points fell UNDER the posted total of 188.5.
Al Jefferson tossed in a game-high 33 points with 16 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
Team records:
Boston: 37-9 SU, 29-16-1 ATS
Minnesota: 10-37 SU, 22-24-1 ATS
Boston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing San Antonio are 4-6
After playing LA Clippers are 1-9
After a win are 5-5
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Boston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Boston home to San Antonio, Sunday, February 10
Minnesota home to Toronto, Sunday, February 10
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The fans at American Airlines Center will be treated to a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks when they take their seats on Friday.
The Grizzlies lost 102-97 to the Bucks last time out, as 4.5-point favorites at home. The 199 points made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Mike Miller led the Grizzlies with 32 points and five rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points, dished out 12 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Mavericks over the Milwaukee Bucks 107-96 on Wednesday night.
The Mavs couldn't cover as 14-point home favorites as the game played over the 188-point total set by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Memphis has lost 4 straight games.
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Memphis: 13-35 SU, 21-27 ATS
Dallas: 33-15 SU, 20-25-3 ATS
Memphis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing New Orleans are 2-8
After playing Milwaukee are 6-4
After a loss are 3-7
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing New Jersey are 7-3
After playing Milwaukee are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games
Memphis is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Next up:
Memphis at New Orleans, Saturday, February 9
Dallas at New Jersey, Sunday, February 10
Seattle SuperSonics vs. Phoenix Suns
- The Seattle SuperSonics and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at US Airways Center.
Earl Watson dropped 23 points to go along with 10 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the SuperSonics over the Sacramento Kings 105-92 on Wednesday night.
The Sonics upset the Kings as 9.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 211.5-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Steve Nash had 32 points and 12 assists for the Suns in their 132-130 double overtime loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Hornets cashed as 6.5-point road underdogs as the game played over the 215.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Team records:
Seattle: 13-36 SU, 23-25-1 ATS
Phoenix: 34-15 SU, 22-25-2 ATS
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Friday are 1-9
Before playing Utah are 4-6
After playing Sacramento are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing New Orleans are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 10 games at home
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Next up:
Seattle home to Utah, Wednesday, February 13
Phoenix home to Washington, Sunday, February 10
Utah Jazz vs. Sacramento Kings
- The Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at ARCO Arena.
Deron Williams went for 29 points and 10 assists to lead the Jazz to a 118-115 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.
The Jazz upset the Nuggets as 2-point road underdogs as the game played over the 219-point total set by sportsbooks.
Ron Artest was the high scorer for Sacramento with 20 points in its 105-92 loss to the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday night.
The Sonics upset the Kings as 9.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 211.5-point total posted by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Utah has won 10 straight games.
Team records:
Utah: 32-18 SU, 27-23 ATS
Sacramento: 22-25 SU, 25-22 ATS
Utah most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Denver are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
Sacramento most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Golden State are 7-3
After playing Seattle are 3-7
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing at home against Utah
Sacramento is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Utah
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Utah
Next up:
Utah home to Chicago, Saturday, February 9
Sacramento at Golden State, Saturday, February 9
Washington Wizards vs. Denver Nuggets
- The Washington Wizards and the Denver Nuggets will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Pepsi Center.
Antawn Jamison led the way for the Wizards with 18 points and seven rebounds in their 85-77 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
The Spurs covered as 3-point road favorites as the game played under the 183-point total set by oddsmakers.
Allen Iverson led the way for the Nuggets with 34 points and nine assists in their 118-115 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
The Jazz upset the Nuggets as 2-point road underdogs as the game played over the 219-point total set by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Washington has lost 5 straight games.
Team records:
Washington: 24-24 SU, 27-20-1 ATS
Denver: 29-19 SU, 25-23 ATS
Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Phoenix are 7-3
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Denver most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Utah are 7-3
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Washington is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Denver
Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 9 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
Next up:
Washington at Phoenix, Sunday, February 10
Denver at Cleveland, Sunday, February 10
O'Neal trade has an effect on all the odds
According to Bodoglife.com, the odds on the Suns winning the Western Conference before the trade were 5-2; after the deal they improved to 2-1. The odds on Phoenix winning the NBA championship before
Shaquille O'Neal's trade from Miami to Phoenix has been the biggest news in the sports betting world this week and the deal has forced oddsmakers to adjust the Suns' postseason numbers.
According to Bodoglife.com, the odds on the Suns winning the Western Conference before the trade were 5-2; after the deal they improved to 2-1. The odds on Phoenix winning the NBA championship before the trade were 4-1; now they are 7-2.
Although the Suns' playoff odds have improved on some sports boards since the trade, AccuScore.com -- which simulates every game 10,000 times -- has a different take on O'Neal's impact playing for Phoenix.
With the Suns at full strength playing with Shawn Marion -- who was traded with guard Marcus Banks to Miami for O'Neal -- they win 55% of the remaining games on their schedule.
But with O'Neal installed in the lineup in place of Marion, Phoenix's winning percentage drops to 47%.
In breaking down the results, AccuScore.com's simulator has the Suns' offense showing a slight improvement in field goals made and three-point shooting with O'Neal in the lineup.
But Phoenix also has to deal with O'Neal's poor free-throw shooting and turnovers.
The Suns made 1.5 fewer free throws despite attempting one more a game, which negates their higher number of field goals made. With O'Neal, Phoenix also makes 2.5 more turnovers.
Here are more updated odds connected with O'Neal's trade to Phoenix listed at Bodoglife.com: Suns over/under win total post-trade: 23; Heat over/under win total post-trade: 11.5; How many points per game will O'Neal average with Phoenix? Over/under 16.5; How many rebounds per game will O'Neal average with Phoenix? Over/under 7.5; How many games will O'Neal play for the Suns this season? Over/under 25; How many minutes per game will O'Neal average in Phoenix for the rest of the season? Over/under 30 minutes.
How many points per game will Marion average with the Heat for the rest of the season? Over/under 19.5; How many rebounds per game will Marion average with the Heat for the rest of the season? Over/under 10; How many points per game will Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire average for the rest of the season? Over/under 22; How many rebounds per game will Stoudemire average for the rest of the season? Over/under 8.5.
Pro hockey
The Ducks will play at New Jersey for the first time since the teams met in the 2003 Stanley Cup finals and oddsmakers have made the Devils money-line favorites at -150.
Action for the game has been pretty close with the Ducks receiving 50.23% of the picks, according to Wagerline.com's betting table as of Thursday night.
latimes.com
Friday’s Pregame Buzz
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic
* The Lakers are fresh off their 1st loss since the Paul Gasol trade, a 98-95 loss at Atlanta. Kobe Bryant dislocated the pinky finger on his right hand against the Nets on Tuesday night. He said it is “very swollen” and will “tough it out” but he has scored a total of just 17 points combined in 2 games on 7-of-29 shooting with the injury. EDGE: MAGIC
* The Magic look to have a powerful 1-2 punch inside against the Lakers with center Dwight Howard and guard Rashard Lewis. Howard is averaging 22 points and a league-best 15 rebounds per game while Lewis is has tormented LA to the tune of 24 ppg on 44 percent shooting behind the arc. EDGE: MAGIC
* Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Magic are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
* The UNDER is 6-2-2 ATS in Orlando’s last 10 home games.
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
* Spurs are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 Friday games.
* Knicks are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* Favorite is 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks
* Cavs are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Hawks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
* Favorite is 19-7 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves
* Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Friday games.
* Timberwolves are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Portland Trail Blazers at Detroit Pistons
* Rasheed Wallace is averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds in Detroit's last 2 wins and will look to help his team win its 7th consecutive game. “He is carrying us,” said Chauncey Billups. Wallace is averaging just 12 ppg against the Blazers since joining the Pistons. EDGE: PISTONS
* The Blazers have found themselves involved in a number of close contests. They have alternated wins and losses in their last 5 games, all of which have been decided by 3 points or fewer or in overtime. Brandon Roy is averaging 25 ppg over their last 3, and they have won 7 of 9 in Detroit. EDGE: BLAZERS
* Blazers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
* Pistons are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 home games.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Seattle SuperSonics at Phoenix Suns
* Sonics are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Phoenix.
* Suns are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* The UNDER is 20-8 in the last 28 meetings.
Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings
* Jazz are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Kings are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
* The OVER is 8-2 in Sacramento's last 10 home games.
Washington Wizards at Denver Nuggets
* Wizards are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
* Nuggets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games.
* The OVER is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
Pregame.com